How to Apply for and Maximise the Business Events Grant

Guest Blog by Russell McIntosh | Trade Show Training

The Federal Government has put up some money to help stimulate the Business Events industry which is coming off its toughest year in living memory. Not many sectors copped it worse than Business Events, as the mass gatherings required for their success became the early victims of lockdowns and shut borders. A 2020 for me that looked like a very promising year quickly became a cocktail of cancelling trips, home-schooling and waiting for the monthly JobKeeper hit!

Enter 2021, and whilst not normal by any stretch, there’s reason for confidence in business events, with exhibitors able to access a 50% grant (paid by way of a rebate) on their expenditure.

So, what’s the catch? (You mean, ScoMo won’t just hand me cash?)

You have to apply and meet some conditions to be eligible, but they’re not unreasonable in my view… apart from maybe the minimum expenditure of $20,000, which shuts out the very small exhibitors.

A quick rundown of the important eligibility criteria. You can only apply if:

1. You intend to exhibit at one or more of the approved events (link below). Importantly, you don’t need to have signed up to a show to apply. You can sign up once approved.

2. You can substantiate anticipated expenditure of over $20,000 on your planned event(s) (make sure you check what you can include to make up your $20k – it’s a broad range).

3. Your event(s) are in the 2021 calendar year (unless postponed).

4. You are a middle child, left-handed and you once owned a goat called ‘Casper’

Note: Point 4 may not apply. It was a delirious attempt at humour during Melbourne’s 3rd lockdown. Forgive me.

In all seriousness, there are a few more things to be aware of so have a read through the grant opportunity guidelines and sample grant agreement before you apply. And don’t delay – applications are only open until 30 March 2021 or until the grant money runs out.

So, how much government money can I get?

As mentioned above, the minimum expenditure to be considered for the grant is $20,000. Once you meet this minimum, you are entitled to put in a claim for a grant of 50% of your expenditure. If your expenditure is $50k, then your claim is for $25k and so on.

What if the event gets cancelled?

We roll with it. But there is good news. The grant covers most types of lost expenditure, up to your grant amount. It also well worth raising the possibility of cancellation with the organisers when booking your stand. Don’t open yourself up to any surprises.

So, what’s stopping you? I think the ability to get a 50% discount on your show costs together with some good protections in your contract, should make you confident to sign up to a show.

Can you afford to persevere with virtual events? Don’t answer that… you’re on mute.

For all the details on the grant and the list of approved events, please click here: Business Events Grant Opportunity

Guest post by Russell McIntosh | Trade Show Training

With 20+ years in trade shows, Russell McIntosh now runs Trade Show Training. It’s a business born from seeing exhibitors not getting value for money at trade shows. With a focus on the ‘pre’, ‘at’ and ‘post’ show activities, exhibitors can get far greater returns by small adjustments in their approach.

The pandemic has also created issues around exhibitors being able to travel. Trade Show Training can step in and do this so you don’t miss out on shows altogether.